1970: VICTORIAN TEENAGERS reminisce | Yesterday's Witness | Voice of the People | BBC Archive

Summary

The transcript narrates the journey of a young woman from a frail child to learning typing at a shop in Victoria Street, which led to a job and a significant income of eight shillings a week. It also touches on the societal norms of the 1890s, including women's roles and the introduction of rational dress, reflecting a time of change. The story includes personal anecdotes, such as cycling adventures and a humorous encounter with the law, painting a vivid picture of life in London during that era.

Takeaways

• 📝 The narrator started learning typing at a young age, which was a significant step in their career development.
• 👕 The term 'grizzle guts' was used to describe the narrator's appearance as a child, highlighting the social dynamics of the time.
• 🏢 The introduction of typewriters and the hiring of women to operate them marked a new era of opportunities for women in the workforce.
• 🎓 Berta Ruck's experience at a girls' school in North Wales and the headmistress's critique of her as 'indolent and feckless' reflect the educational environment and expectations of the time.
• 🎨 After school, Berta pursued her interest in art, moving to London to study at the School of Art and later at the Slade, indicating a shift towards personal fulfillment and professional development.
• 🚍 The description of London's streets, with mud, cabs, and fog, paints a vivid picture of the city's conditions during the late 19th century.
• 👗 The narrator's account of women's fashion, including long skirts, hats, and the laborious process of cleaning them, provides insight into the challenges and social norms of the era.
• 🚴‍♀️ The acquisition of a bicycle and the subsequent adoption of 'rational dress' symbolize a move towards practicality and a challenge to traditional gender norms.
• 💬 The humorous encounter with the cab driver and the question about children showcases the social interactions and attitudes towards women during that period.
• 🏞️ The group's cycling adventures to Brighton or Worthing and the subsequent court appearance for cycling on the sidewalk highlight the changing societal attitudes and the legal implications of these changes.

Q & A

What was the nickname given to the speaker by the boys during her childhood?

The boys called her 'grizzle guts'.

What suggestion did the speaker's brother make to her when she was near 17?

Her brother suggested that she should find something to do and not just 'moon about the place'.

What was the machine that the speaker's brother saw in the shop window?

The machine was a typewriter.

How long did it take for the speaker to be put on staff after learning to type?

It took the speaker about four or five months to be put on staff after learning to type.

What was the speaker's weekly wage when she started working as a typist?

The speaker received eight shillings a week as her starting wage.

What was the term used for the type of clothing the speaker and her friends wore while cycling?

The term used for the clothing was 'rational dress'.

Why did the speaker give her office address instead of her home address to the police?

The speaker gave her office address to avoid her family knowing about the incident with the police.

What was the fine imposed on the speaker and her friends for cycling on the pathway?

The fine was five shillings each.

What was the humorous mistake made by one of the magistrates at the police court?

One of the magistrates initially thought the ladies were on horseback instead of bicycles.

What was the speaker's experience at the girls' school in North Wales?

The speaker was described as 'indolent and feckless' by the headmistress and was often drawing instead of focusing on her work.

What was the speaker's father's opinion about her future prospects after leaving school?

Her father thought she wouldn't be any use for anything but drawing, and suggested she should go to London.